Firm seeks sustainable agric transformation
admin
International Agricultural Development firm, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), has emphasised the need for sustainable agricultural transformation to combat rural poverty.
The firm spoke at a side event it organised during Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, Rwanda.
In a statement by its Communication Officer, Moses Nongoatse, SAA noted the role of agriculture in addressing broader economic challenges in Africa.
President of Sasakawa Africa Association, Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, said partners should review approaches and channel investments for greater impact.
Country Director of SAA Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Atser, said boosting agricultural productivity is key to alleviating poverty.Atser reiterated Sasakawa‘s commitment, supported by Nippon Foundation, to achieve food, nutrition, and income security for farmers by promoting climate-smart technologies and adopting regenerative, market-oriented and nutrition-sensitive agriculture practice.
His words: “Sadly, Nigerian farmers are back where Indian farmers were in early 1970s. Low productivity is a major cause of rural poverty. We need to grow agriculture to tackle poverty. Agriculture contributes 20—30 per cent of GDP in Africa. So, if we achieve transformation, half our problems are gone.”
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, noted the state’s advancements in agriculture.Represented by Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Danjuma Mahmoud, Yusuf noted the efforts in implementing climate-smart strategies and fostering partnerships with the private sector to enhance resilience and sustainability of the sector.
He emphasised impact of Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), funded by Islamic Development Bank and Lives and Livelihoods Funds, in driving the state’s agricultural agenda.
Yusuf noted KSADP achieved progress, aligning with its goals and expanding opportunities for farmers.
He stressed importance of private sector engagement in climate mitigation, praising SAA for improving yields and supporting use of technologies by Kano’s farmers.
